Archaeological investigation has found human traces dating from as early as the 14C BC on the island of Ortygia, the site on which the great city of Syracuse was to be founded in the 8C BC. The new settlement was established by the Corinthians led by Archias, driving the previous settlers, the Sicels, back towards the Hyblaean Mountains; it took its name from nearby marsh called Syrako. The new settlers embarked on a programme of economic and political development and territorial expansion which, in a 70-year period, led to the foundation of three colonies: Akrai in 664 BC (present-day Palazzolo Acreide), Casmene in 643 BC and Camarina, on the southern coast of the island, in 598 BC.